Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Sestertius, a Roman coin minted under Commodus. It's fascinating how a small object like this can tell such a grand story, don't you think? What sort of narratives do you see embedded in this piece? Curator: Well, it's crucial to remember that Roman coins like this weren't just currency. They were propaganda. Commodus, depicted here, controlled his image. How do you think this controlled imagery shaped public perception of him and his rule? Editor: So, it's less about individual artistic expression and more about political messaging? Curator: Precisely! Consider who commissioned this. What message was Commodus trying to convey to the Roman populace through these coins? And how does its survival and display in a museum today continue to shape that message? Editor: That's a great point, I never considered the political implications of something as simple as money. Thank you!